The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1918. GERMANY'S LAST HOPE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1918. GERMANY'S LAST HOPE.

Recent cablegrams concerning the intense struggle now proceeding on the Western front contain three very striking announcements. One was contained in Sir Douglas Haig's letter of appreciation to the generals and their men, in which he relies on their Bteadfastne33 and valor to crush this new attack, and with it the enemy's last hope of success. Another was a message from Reuter's correspondent, stating that the enemy was throwing the last ounce weight of resource into the struggle, and that upon the course of events in the immediate future hangs the issue of the war. The third statement was made by the British Premier, wherein he indicated that for every man, gun and tank lost thousands were ready. At present the Allies engaged in this struggle are bending to the storm, but taking an enormous toll of enemy strength. By dint of force of numbers the Germans are still advancing and occupying, at a prodigal expenditure of their resources, villages and towns that were captured from them a few months back, and from which the British are retiring in that orderly manner which I indicates wise .geaeralaaip aud strategi-

cal skill. Nothing is more certain than that the enemy cannot continue for any length of time the ruthless waste of man-power that ia uo\v taking place. Meanwhile his advance ia giving him no strategical advantage, for the AngloJreneli line holds firmly, and behind are reserves that, when the psychological moment arrives will be ready to turn the retirement into an advance, and bring the issue of the war appreciably nearer. That is the reason for the firm confidence which is being shown in the ultimate success of the Allies. Those who are swayed by the events of a day, or a week, may easily feel dismayed at the British being forced back, but such an event does not mean disaster. It rather means that they are letting the enemy exhaust his superior power, so as to even up matters, and it is certainly no criterion of subsequent happenings. So long as the Allies bold their line there is not the slightest cause for anxiety, and we have it on the best authority that the Germans cannot break through. That should suffice. The very fact of their bending to the storm, instead of taking rash risks, indicates that they are taking the only recognised means of gathering strength when it comes to their turn to take the offensive. Their present strategy ia perfectly sound, and though we deplore the terrible toll on human life, it is inevitable, and must be accepted with calm courage, and it must be remembered that the critical stage of the war has been reached. To have met so successfully the first great shock of the enemy's concentrated forces is in itself full of encouragement, especially as our men are in. such excellent spirits, despite the strenuous and terrible ordeal they are passing through. The effect of the offensive so far has been merely to neutralise the British success at Cambrai last November, and the piercing of the Hindenburg line in May of last year. It would seem' that the British defence is being sustained virtually on the line held prior to the Third Army's advance in November. The odds faced by the British have been enormous, and their high courage and splendid devotion augur well for turning the tables on tlie enemy in due time. There can be no doubt "that the German authorities felt sure that their first weighty rash would sweep them on to victory. They know better now, and as the most anxious time is over, we may await with confidence the passing of the storm, and the day when the Mtisn will be driving back the enemy finally and completely.